tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092119975054348842018-03-06T03:55:12.266-05:00Country Chic RenovatorCountry Chicnoreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-38706341932021044142014-04-07T12:12:00.001-04:002014-04-07T12:12:04.919-04:00Two Day Transformation - Forever Home UpdateOver the course of seven days we worked on the Forever Home for 2 days.<br /><br /><br /><i><b>March 30th </b></i>- Morning capture of the home.<br /><br />The plan:<br /><br />1. Burn all of the wood below the left side large window.<br />2. Stuff the garbage bags with all of the insulation sitting outside the left side large window.<br />3. Install as many windows as possible.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--a5PJW5K57s/U0JtrHXPagI/AAAAAAAACh8/0-1Oe9TgzOE/s1600/FH1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--a5PJW5K57s/U0JtrHXPagI/AAAAAAAACh8/0-1Oe9TgzOE/s1600/FH1.jpg" height="374" width="640" /></a></div><br />Completed at the end of day March 30th:<br />1. Two windows installed and wrap around the front left side of the house.<br />2. All of the wood was burned and most garbage collected.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTBtCPDTO-E/U0JttkxdOtI/AAAAAAAACiE/uqF2STqXv_o/s1600/FH2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTBtCPDTO-E/U0JttkxdOtI/AAAAAAAACiE/uqF2STqXv_o/s1600/FH2.jpg" height="326" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><i><b>Sunday, April 3rd.</b></i><br /><br />1. Collected more exposed wood to burn<br />2. Put up wrap front right side, back left addition, and side left addition.<br />3. Installed 4 windows. ( 2 front right side, 1 side of addition on the left wall, and 1 back window left addition)<br />4. Cut down OLD TV tower that was located centre back of the house.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKV5BrxBn8I/U0JtuyChfoI/AAAAAAAACiM/92uBwzjRz-U/s1600/FH3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKV5BrxBn8I/U0JtuyChfoI/AAAAAAAACiM/92uBwzjRz-U/s1600/FH3.jpg" height="342" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><b>April 3rd Side View:</b></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hjYYW8JQl4/U0JvA6godWI/AAAAAAAACiY/0UCIQVbeNu8/s1600/FH4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hjYYW8JQl4/U0JvA6godWI/AAAAAAAACiY/0UCIQVbeNu8/s1600/FH4.jpg" height="272" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next step will be to finish off the wrap in the back of the house and start preparing to shingle roof.&nbsp;</div><br />Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-17857761105729362762014-03-31T07:56:00.000-04:002014-03-31T07:56:36.775-04:00Random Acts of Kindness <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>DATE NIGHT!!!!!!!!</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">We all get excited for date night especially us girls since we generally like to get dressed up, do our hair and make-up and go out with our husbands. Whatever it is the night may entail a nice dinner, a hockey game maybe even just a couple of drinks at your local bar.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our date night usually involves dinner and a hockey game. I get a little more giddy then Branko because lately we haven't had time to get out like we used to...as the B-man would call it back in our "Honeymoon" stage when dinners were our thing and we would go all the time.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had tickets for the hockey game that started at 7pm, so we left the house early and mapped out a restaurant on our way downtown. Milestones is one of my favorite places since it's not too casual but also not too fancy plus the Bellini's are amazing! (maaaaaaaaaaaaaaybe I really go just for the Bellini's ;)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjREItv5thI/UzlMvd3bcBI/AAAAAAAAChc/4FLkSChPXII/s1600/bellini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjREItv5thI/UzlMvd3bcBI/AAAAAAAAChc/4FLkSChPXII/s1600/bellini.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our waiter Matt was awesome! Nothing can ruin a night out as quickly as a bad waiter. But he doted on us all night and didn't rush us to get out of there.<br /><br />I was kidding, I like the steak too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IrhDEnpS6Lw/UzlNSTh_RnI/AAAAAAAAChk/wZZv0JAgEWk/s1600/steakandpotatotesn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IrhDEnpS6Lw/UzlNSTh_RnI/AAAAAAAAChk/wZZv0JAgEWk/s1600/steakandpotatotesn.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At some point Branko says this "what if we just give our tickets away to a random father and son". Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm WHAT - it's our DATE NIGHT!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But my selfish thoughts quickly went out the door and it became a game of <strike>eyeing</strike>&nbsp;creeping out families in the restaurant........when we said OK lets just do it we called our waiter over.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Conversation with Matt went like this:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">US: &nbsp;"we have a question??"&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Matt: " ya, sure go ahead"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">US: " we want to randomly give our tickets away to a father and son in the restaurant"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Matt: " WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!!!!!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">US: (totally caught off guard by Matt's response) "ummmm I dunno just to do something nice, so can you look for a father and son and ask them if you had the opportunity to go to the Leafs game tonight would you go?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Matt was eager - him and 2 other waiters quickly started searching the restaurant. The first family was a fail because they wanted 3 tickets. But then the next family - a father, son, and what looked to be like the grandparents were completely shocked and excited(Matt told us that)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Branko quickly ran to the car and grabbed the tickets. The father looked so excited and said to us " Are you serious???" The son just had the biggest smile on his face. The grandparents looked beyond elated. We didn't exchange names or anything like that. We were at the table for about 1 min and had our jackets on since we were done dinner.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We left that restaurant like 2 little kids practically skipping out of there. The feeling of random acts of kindness is pretty awesome. We are day in &nbsp;and day out extremely hard workers. We are thankful for everything we have and never want to take for granted the opportunities that we have been handed. Neither of us came from extremely wealthy families but hard working families.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm sharing our story because I hope it encourages more people to take this lead. I can tell you this isn't our first random act of kindness but probably our biggest. Time and time again the feeling is always the same, the feeling of gratefulness.<br /><br />This is how we ended up watching the game....Starbucks in hand.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EjwJj52VcNw/UzlNufyNjlI/AAAAAAAAChs/UwppikMbo0I/s1600/tv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EjwJj52VcNw/UzlNufyNjlI/AAAAAAAAChs/UwppikMbo0I/s1600/tv.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Have you ever done a random act of kindness?????? I hope you share below.<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(sorry for all the crappy pictures, they were taken with my blackberry)</span></i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-20047785756307874852014-03-17T05:32:00.000-04:002014-03-17T05:32:47.555-04:00Forever Home UpdateIt has been a while since I provided a Forever Home Update. If you looked at the weather network forecast you will see no sign of spring. When we looked at that Friday night we knew that we couldn't slack off like we have been and get to work.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The next steps for the Forever Home are to wrap the entire outside home with a hard insulation(we need to do this to meet code requirements based on our addition and the old house). Once that is done we will wrap the house. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>As of Sunday night this is where we stand, the entire back is covered with the insulation.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDrLhqWp3B0/UyZPIsd2QCI/AAAAAAAACg4/6r59OXPj33g/s1600/Insulation1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDrLhqWp3B0/UyZPIsd2QCI/AAAAAAAACg4/6r59OXPj33g/s1600/Insulation1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<i>The 2 plywood pieces are going to be windows</i>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGqQgrPetiE/UyZPJF7k7qI/AAAAAAAAChA/1AxsNrQNdXE/s1600/Insulation2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGqQgrPetiE/UyZPJF7k7qI/AAAAAAAAChA/1AxsNrQNdXE/s1600/Insulation2.jpg" height="332" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>&nbsp;I am still so in LOVE with the overhanging roof above the entrance doors.</i>&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jog8Ry8-AmA/UyZPJC9BRLI/AAAAAAAAChE/QS6yAcxTgBg/s1600/Insulation3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jog8Ry8-AmA/UyZPJC9BRLI/AAAAAAAAChE/QS6yAcxTgBg/s1600/Insulation3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This pictures proves no perfection here, so much mess to clean up but progress is really happening!&nbsp;</i></div><br /><br /></div><div>If we didn't have so much amount of snow sitting around the house this job would have taken us at most 2 days. Those insulation pieces are incredibly light. So working together I could bring them all out of the basement to where ever Branko was and he would nail them down.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>WELL...............</div><div><br /></div><div>Winter wrecked havoc on us and this job has taken us over 4 days combined. Walking through the snow carrying these things are a pain in my arse. Then we had to dig up the snow around the entire parameter of the house.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is our to-do list for the next 30 days. We have a week vacation in April which we are praying for some decent weather because we feel a lot of work will be done.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>- Shingle the entire roof</div><div>- Run the floor joists in the master bedroom</div><div>- Remove the remaining ceiling and insulation&nbsp;</div><div>- Rebuild and move the stairs to the new location&nbsp;</div><div>- Start running the plumbing from the old house to the new part</div><div>- Run all of the electrical in the old and new part&nbsp;</div><div>- Move the electrical panel<br /><br />The list might be a little ambitious right????<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-69249964813758305892014-03-16T06:53:00.000-04:002014-03-16T07:40:08.833-04:00Princess Margaret Lottery Home Wine & Dine NightThe Princess Margaret home wine &amp; dine event request could not have come at a better time. I was in need of serious inspiration as this winter has made it terribly difficult to work on the Forever Home.<br /><div><br /></div><div>My response was YES please to the RSVP. The home was in the King/Vaughan area, I was able to head over after work and enjoy a night filled with food prepared by the amazing <a href="https://twitter.com/latino5spice" target="_blank">Chef Steve Gonzalez</a> from <a href="http://valdezrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Valdez Restaurant</a> located downtown Toronto on King St. and wine tasting prepared by <a href="https://twitter.com/Rosewoodwine" target="_blank">Krystina</a> from <a href="http://www.rosewoodwine.com/" target="_blank">Rosewood Wine</a> which is located in Beamsville.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The night started off with a private showing of the 3.85 million dollar home by the designer himself Jack Celli of Greenpark Homes.<br /><br />The first thing I noticed in the entrance were these chairs. So grand and beautiful that I was too scared to sit on them! Behind the entrance was the dining room. The design feature I enjoyed the most in here were the velvet stripes on the wall. As you can see in the picture the mirror reflects the other wall which matches. I love that they covered both walls instead of doing 1 feature wall.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMiEUKDxEQg/UyQ0ougY14I/AAAAAAAACfg/U1KAwKTTIM4/s1600/Image_7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMiEUKDxEQg/UyQ0ougY14I/AAAAAAAACfg/U1KAwKTTIM4/s1600/Image_7.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">photos via Andrea(my guest of the night)&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next room I enjoyed was the master bath! So many things that were just stunning in here. I loved how the Hackwood flooring continued into the main bath area from the bedroom and tile was laid down to step out of the shower(which was massive). I love the faucets on the free standing tub. An island stood in the middle of the room with a sink on each side.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSrJqwdiJIY/UyQ1sn0y5sI/AAAAAAAACfs/mq0L1fV2DJE/s1600/Image_6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSrJqwdiJIY/UyQ1sn0y5sI/AAAAAAAACfs/mq0L1fV2DJE/s1600/Image_6.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">photos via Andrea(my guest of the night)&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm pretty sure you get the idea of this room! Truthfully the thing I loved the most in this room were those 2 lights on each side of the runway! I could see this room being used for that little princess daughter having the time of her life trying on her mamma's shoes and walking down that runway.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ya9qJtNGymw/UyQ2pytbSRI/AAAAAAAACf0/TNLm7zdcwUo/s1600/Image_8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ya9qJtNGymw/UyQ2pytbSRI/AAAAAAAACf0/TNLm7zdcwUo/s1600/Image_8.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">photos via Andrea(my guest of the night)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Only a veranda like this can make winter look beautiful. This area is going to be great for those long summer nights and watching the sun set.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dGA3fcw5XEA/UyQ3ysXgfPI/AAAAAAAACgA/fwE0hJedQbg/s1600/Image_5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dGA3fcw5XEA/UyQ3ysXgfPI/AAAAAAAACgA/fwE0hJedQbg/s1600/Image_5.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">photos via Andrea(my guest of the night)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The picture below was provided to us by the amazing host of the night Laura Z. The stunning kitchen! Jack told us the entire design inspiration around the house started off with those hanging chandelier.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ndO4dUGs7sE/UyQ5d-Gy69I/AAAAAAAACgM/C6guhSSRdls/s1600/VaughanWide-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ndO4dUGs7sE/UyQ5d-Gy69I/AAAAAAAACgM/C6guhSSRdls/s1600/VaughanWide-9.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">photo via Laura Z.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Now onto the food &amp; wine!&nbsp;</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Everything Chef Steve made was soooo tasty! We don't get into Toronto too often but I am sure Branko would love the food he cooks. Hopefully during the summer we have a chance to check it out!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zxUjMgs6JjM/UyQ6bRVbnXI/AAAAAAAACgU/V6GMXRW8858/s1600/Image_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zxUjMgs6JjM/UyQ6bRVbnXI/AAAAAAAACgU/V6GMXRW8858/s1600/Image_2.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">photos via Andrea(my guest of the night)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In that little cup is dessert! A coconut rum raisin mixture frozen on a stick. If you follow along on my blog you know how much I love coconut!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWRcKFYUYfQ/UyQ8cWrgPuI/AAAAAAAACgg/N2Ggqdk7iM0/s1600/Image_4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWRcKFYUYfQ/UyQ8cWrgPuI/AAAAAAAACgg/N2Ggqdk7iM0/s1600/Image_4.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">photos via Andrea(my guest of the night)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oddly enough Rosewood Wines is down the street from our parents Restaurant in Beamsville. The next time I visit my parents I will be sure to stop in and pick up some of the wine we tasted with Krystina! Especially the first one she talked about, it had such a beautiful taste to it. Krystina also comes from a family of bee keeping! She educated us on the process of making honey and taking care of bees which was pretty interesting and gifted us all with a bottle of Wildflower Honey! Probably one of the best honey's I have ever tasted! The honey will be available in Chapters so make sure you keep your eye out for Rosewood estates honey and the wine will soon be available at the LCBO.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MY_AGZa95Lo/UyQ9U0Um82I/AAAAAAAACgo/7PlOStWwnto/s1600/Imgae_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MY_AGZa95Lo/UyQ9U0Um82I/AAAAAAAACgo/7PlOStWwnto/s1600/Imgae_3.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whitecabana.com/" target="_blank">Jordana from White Cabana</a> and myself with our honey.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The evening turned out to be so much more than I expected. From the personal tour of the home to the wine and food as well as running into Jordana and hanging out with my sister, it was a night full of laughs.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This home is stunning in so many ways and I was definitely able to soak in all of the inspiration I needed. Even though I know our Forever Home will never be worth 3.85 million dollars in my mind it will be forever priceless.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now that you were able to hear about how amazing this home is make sure you link up <a href="http://bit.ly/pmhl14order" target="_blank">HERE</a> and purchase your very own ticket!!!!</div></div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-55467146312922860452014-03-04T10:46:00.000-05:002014-03-04T11:16:03.984-05:00Spring - Are you alive???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been down in the dumps about the weather, it has put me into a constant cranky mood.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ro-jGu9Ars/UxX0rQ6O6pI/AAAAAAAACfQ/995rGru6fsk/s1600/spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ro-jGu9Ars/UxX0rQ6O6pI/AAAAAAAACfQ/995rGru6fsk/s1600/spring.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Spring - Are you alive? I need you.&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-51899930545429702652014-03-03T09:50:00.002-05:002014-03-03T09:50:28.583-05:00Things I'm Loving LatelySince my last post of "Things I'm Loving Lately" was so popular I thought maybe it would be fun to continue sharing with you all some more new items I have been really loving.<br /><br /><br />This chocolate!!! One of the main reasons I am loving the <a href="http://www.alterecofoods.com/" target="_blank">Alter Eco</a> chocolate bars is because of low amount of ingredients in each bar. You can purchase these at Whole Foods or Bulk Barn. I keep them kicking around and sometimes will break 1 or 2 small pieces off and bring it to work. <a href="http://www.alterecofoods.com/products/chocolate/dark-mint" target="_blank">The Mint</a> one is by far my favourite.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-BLtAs6GAY/UwLIWChUzYI/AAAAAAAACak/jCDhgWROw-Y/s1600/altereco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-BLtAs6GAY/UwLIWChUzYI/AAAAAAAACak/jCDhgWROw-Y/s1600/altereco.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>A paleo friendly dessert that I have become in love with and so simple to make:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8P5MbCcAn8/UwLG19ooDII/AAAAAAAACaQ/exNnoux4JaU/s1600/blueberriesandcoconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8P5MbCcAn8/UwLG19ooDII/AAAAAAAACaQ/exNnoux4JaU/s1600/blueberriesandcoconut.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div><br />Toasted Coconut:<br />1 tsp coconut oil<br />1/4 cup unsweetened coconut<br />1 tsp maple syrup<br /><br />Whipped Coconut Milk:<br />2 tbsp coconut milk(preferably cold)<br />1 tsp maple syrup<br /><br />Whip the coconut milk and add the maple syrup. You can also add some frozen raspberries to this or skip the maple syrup all together.<br /><br />Heat the coconut oil in a small pan and add the shredded coconut. Once it starts browning add the maple syrup. The maple syrup gives the coconut a special crunch and sweetness.<br /><br />1 cup fresh blueberries or 1 banana. (OR BOTH) :)<br /><br />Put the berries in a small bowl and top with coconut milk whip, then top with toasted coconut.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NFBNyJWdso/UxJdczt4J9I/AAAAAAAACdg/MkV6HzB25fs/s1600/blueberry3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NFBNyJWdso/UxJdczt4J9I/AAAAAAAACdg/MkV6HzB25fs/s1600/blueberry3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />I took a small shopping trip on Valentine's Day as I needed something from Sephora and popped into <a href="http://www.zara.com/ca/" target="_blank">Zara</a>. I normally don't find anything but the second I saw this <a href="http://www.zara.com/ca/en/woman/outerwear/quilted-waistcoat-with-piping-c358002p1667400.html" target="_blank">vest </a>I knew I had to have it!<br /><br />A "Love Day" gift to myself! My favourite part is all of the small leather details.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4pD60a6UvzE/UxJ9TBZjYYI/AAAAAAAACeY/p0bprZrAqpk/s1600/zaravest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4pD60a6UvzE/UxJ9TBZjYYI/AAAAAAAACeY/p0bprZrAqpk/s1600/zaravest.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I was on the hunt for a nice throw/blanket. My sister came across <a href="http://cambiedesign.com/" target="_blank">Cambie Design</a> and picked up the one below for me.They currently have no stock on the website but new product will be coming in shortly in the mean time you can just follow them on Instagram <a href="http://instagram.com/cambiedesign" target="_blank">@cambiedesign</a>. Make sure you check them out and they are Canadian!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYcqXkkP5uk/UxJpmZ2Rc7I/AAAAAAAACeI/a3N9w6-yxqc/s1600/cambie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYcqXkkP5uk/UxJpmZ2Rc7I/AAAAAAAACeI/a3N9w6-yxqc/s1600/cambie2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I absolutely love this blanket. It's light but warm. We use it all year. In the winter I sometimes bring it with my in the car when I am driving and in the summer it's perfect for those chilly nights outside. I plan on buying a second one when the Forever Home is done because you can never have enough of these lying around.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCh4YtD6d_Y/UxJpj5Ru_rI/AAAAAAAACeA/xWL8kzRlr00/s1600/cambie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCh4YtD6d_Y/UxJpj5Ru_rI/AAAAAAAACeA/xWL8kzRlr00/s1600/cambie1.jpg" height="640" width="272" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I joined <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">MyFitnessPal!</a>! Now I know everybody knows about this website and if you don't and are looking to track your food intake this website is great! I signed up to myfitnesspal last year but was not impressed with some of the functionalities with saving your food and changing your portion sizes but I am pretty sure they have issued some upgrades because I found that using the app on my iPad was much easier this go around.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My eating habits have changes drastically in the last 3 weeks. When I first started I could not believe the amount of food I was eating during the day. I would love to build my friend list on here because I feel that it keeps you more accountable! So if you are just joining or are a member already send me a quick email with your contact information and I will add you as a friend!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AyH1BVjmTSg/UxSE_2xOD_I/AAAAAAAACfA/nCBsG030uh4/s1600/543815_10151551408983497_643040133_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AyH1BVjmTSg/UxSE_2xOD_I/AAAAAAAACfA/nCBsG030uh4/s1600/543815_10151551408983497_643040133_n.png" height="236" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>A day trip to Buffalo always involves grocery shopping. You can't go wrong with the products available and the prices!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-088Opuj-eOo/UxRVAIv9cdI/AAAAAAAACeo/cx4MyA0tPtI/s1600/us1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-088Opuj-eOo/UxRVAIv9cdI/AAAAAAAACeo/cx4MyA0tPtI/s1600/us1.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Trader Joe's:</b><br />Organic Virgin Coconut Oil - $5.99 (In Canada the one I purchase is $10.49 and the jar has less)<br />Coconut Cream $1.49 (A good quality coconut milk in Canada is $3.49)<br />Coconut Water - $2.99 (Ummmmmmmmm WHAT THE HELL - in Canada it is between $4.99 &amp; $6.99)<br />Organic Gluten Free Chicken Broth - $1.99 (In Canada I can pay up to $4.99-$5.99 for this)<br /><br />The other products I don't think are even available in Canada:<br /><a href="http://www.chobani.com/products/flip#almond-coco-loco" target="_blank">Chobani Almond Coco Loco</a> - these are so tasty! This one is Almond + Coconut and I scored them on sale at Target for $1.00<br /><br />Larabar ALT Chocolate Chip Macaroon - pretty sure these are not available in Canada. I don't eat powerbar/granola bars too often anymore but when I do I always stick with Larabar.<br /><br /><a href="http://angiespopcorn.com/project/boomchickapop-white-cheddar-popcorn/" target="_blank">Angie's BOOM Chicka Pop </a>- White Cheddar - I know BOOM Chicka pop has become more available in Canada but I am not sure I have seen the White Cheddar flavour anywhere.<br /><br />Peeled Snacks - All gluten free - Peeled snacks are available but not the new clusters! These are so tasty!<br /><br />I also picked up this&nbsp;<a href="http://www.target.com/p/merona-women-s-denim-belted-shirt-dress-blue/-/A-15029766#prodSlot=medium_2_10" target="_blank">cute dress</a> and <a href="http://www.target.com/p/merona-women-s-popover-favorite-shirt-assorted-prints/-/A-15027308#prodSlot=medium_1_18" target="_blank">button up shirt</a> from Target! I paired the shirt with the vest up top!<br /><br /><br />Hope you enjoyed all things I'm loving lately! I would love to hear of any products or stores you love to check out when crossing the border OR even any local shops in the GTA!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-28995457023406459442014-02-24T08:49:00.000-05:002014-02-24T09:36:17.325-05:00Forever Home Blues3 Weeks.....<br /><br /><br />That's the amount of time that we have not worked on the Forever Home. It feels like time is passing and the Forever Home is just standing still.<br /><br />It's been tough for us to cope with this nasty weather and yes we fully understand that we cannot do anything about this but owning two homes is taking a toll on us. We need to get our feet moving, dig deep and find the motivation to go and work.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7iEMPdbZyQ/UwtNcmldKGI/AAAAAAAACbM/11_MHh7t0iU/s1600/winters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7iEMPdbZyQ/UwtNcmldKGI/AAAAAAAACbM/11_MHh7t0iU/s1600/winters.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Everything is 100 times harder when you have to do pre-prep work to actually work.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Shovel the additions out for an hour<br /><br />Layer on the extra clothing<br /><br />Work in big winter gloves that make it hard to carry wood<br /><br />Stand on ladders that are barely safe due to snow and ice below<br /><br />Deal with a runny nose<br /><br />Shovel one driveway, snow blow the second driveway<br /><br />Split wood for the fireplace<br /><br />Fix the car, fix the car, fix the car(don't ask, we are pretty sure my car has put a spell on me)<br /><br /><br /><br />This list can go on and on and on.............................<br /><br />I suppose I need to look at the positive side - the insulation is sitting in the basement ready to go<br /><br /><br />To leave you on a positive note I came across this quote and had to share since "it was rather beautiful"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-srMRuiVV7hY/UwtMFOAcaDI/AAAAAAAACbA/VL3ajDGpf7k/s1600/39505_422070639933_5678305_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-srMRuiVV7hY/UwtMFOAcaDI/AAAAAAAACbA/VL3ajDGpf7k/s1600/39505_422070639933_5678305_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-16543545912015774482014-02-04T05:12:00.000-05:002014-02-04T05:12:25.539-05:00Things I'm Loving Lately Snowy Hills!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2eow_de-XIk/UvA5my8hnOI/AAAAAAAACYs/JqfsznR_yj0/s1600/hills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2eow_de-XIk/UvA5my8hnOI/AAAAAAAACYs/JqfsznR_yj0/s1600/hills.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I kid....I am not loving the snow although some of the views in our area are very pretty when we have large snow falls. I shoveled our driveway over the weekend - twice - it's a 150 ft driveway. Don't ask how I felt when I was done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bsB8OdxQI5Q/Uu-map5ludI/AAAAAAAACYc/Kg1XlmK0XHQ/s1600/61ce4775d03a4a819f6e3ec145f4fc69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bsB8OdxQI5Q/Uu-map5ludI/AAAAAAAACYc/Kg1XlmK0XHQ/s1600/61ce4775d03a4a819f6e3ec145f4fc69.jpg" height="640" width="608" /></a></div><br /><br />We did nothing on the Forever Home because the snow wrecked havoc on us as well as my car is not being so friendly.<br /><br />Two things that I have been really loving lately are these Paleo Muffins derived from a cookbook called "Make Ahead Paleo" by <a href="http://thehealthygflife.com/" target="_blank">Tammy Credicott</a>. Let me tell if you, if you are trying to go this route this cookbook is amazing!<br /><br />In the cookbook they are called "Breakfast Muffins" but I would think Carrot Muffins suite better to how many carrots I choose to use.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NcyghN6mpfY/UvA6K6KDRuI/AAAAAAAACZA/vK8cSvLzTsk/s1600/carrotmuffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NcyghN6mpfY/UvA6K6KDRuI/AAAAAAAACZA/vK8cSvLzTsk/s1600/carrotmuffin.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Carrot Muffins<br /><br />Dry Ingredients:<br />1/2 cup almond meal<br />1/3 cup coconut flour<br />1 tsp cinnamon<br />1/4 tsp ginger<br />1/2 tsp baking soda<br /><br />Wet Ingredients:<br />6 eggs<br />1/3 cup maple syrup<br />2 tsp vanilla<br />4 medium carrots<br /><br />I blended the wet ingredients in my Vitamix and combined the dry ingredients in a medium size bowl. You can also just shred the carrots and add them to the wet ingredients. Mix everything together and pour into muffin pan. Bake for 35 min at 350C This recipes yields 13 muffins. I also added unsweetened shredded coconut on the top. Below is the calorie count. I'm pretty sure if you wanted these to have less sugar you could lower the amount of maple syrup and add 6-10 drops of stevia.<br /><br />I used <a href="http://caloriecount.about.com/cc/account/index.php?utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=redirect&amp;utm_campaign=caloriecountcom" target="_blank">Calorie Count</a> website to determine the calories in these:<br /><br /><h5 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #414141; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Nutrition Facts</h5><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #414141; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Serving Size&nbsp;<span class="serving_num" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span>&nbsp;<span class="miniDesc" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Serving</span></div><div class="r-rail-info-heading" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(59, 59, 59); border-bottom-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(59, 59, 59); border-top-style: solid; border-width: 4px 0px 2px; color: #414141; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; margin: 3px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Per Serving<span class="r-rail-d-val" style="border: 0px; float: right; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">% Daily Value*</span></div><div class="main" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Calories</strong>&nbsp;<span class="miniCal" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">98</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;">Calories from Fat&nbsp;<span class="miniCalFat" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">39</span></div><div class="main" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Total Fat</strong>&nbsp;<span class="miniFat" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4.3</span>g<span class="r-rail-d-val" style="border: 0px; float: right; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="miniFatPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span>%</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;">Saturated Fat&nbsp;<span class="miniSFat" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1.2</span>g<span class="r-rail-d-val" style="border: 0px; float: right; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="miniSFatPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>%</span></div><div class="main" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cholesterol</strong>&nbsp;<span class="miniChol" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">76</span>mg<span class="r-rail-d-val" style="border: 0px; float: right; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="miniCholPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">25</span>%</span></div><div class="main" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sodium</strong>&nbsp;<span class="miniSodium" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">92</span>mg<span class="r-rail-d-val" style="border: 0px; float: right; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="miniSodiumPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>%</span></div><div class="main" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Carbohydrates</strong>&nbsp;<span class="miniCarb" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10.1</span>g<span class="r-rail-d-val" style="border: 0px; float: right; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="miniCarbPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>%</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;">Dietary Fiber&nbsp;<span class="miniFiber" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2.1</span>g<span class="r-rail-d-val" style="border: 0px; float: right; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="miniFiberPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span>%</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;">Sugars&nbsp;<span class="miniSugar" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6.3</span>g</div><div class="main" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Protein</strong>&nbsp;<span class="miniProtein" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4.1</span>g</div><div class="r-rail-info-div" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(59, 59, 59); border-top-style: solid; border-width: 2px 0px 0px; color: #414141; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin: 2px 0px 0px; padding: 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #414141; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Vitamin A&nbsp;<span class="miniVitaPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>% · Vitamin C&nbsp;<span class="miniVitcPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>%</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #414141; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Calcium&nbsp;<span class="miniCalciumPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>% · Iron&nbsp;<span class="miniIronPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>%</div><br />The calorie count website is great because if you are creating your own recipes it really helps you determine what to change in the recipe. You can save your recipes and create your own using the Recipe Analyzer under Tools.<br /><br /><br />Have you tried green smoothies/juices? Your answer is probably yes and you also probably looked at 5 million different combinations and possibly gave up unless you are not like me and were able to create your own mixture.<br /><br />I finally came across this website <a href="http://www.blenderbabes.com/" target="_blank">Blender Babes</a> and the options they had were amazing. OK maybe I tried 1 or 2 that were horrible but when they had the <a href="http://www.blenderbabes.com/blender-babes-101/blender-vs-juicer/blender-babes-free-juice-detox-why-how-with-juice-cleanse-recipes/" target="_blank">3 day detox</a> and <a href="http://www.blenderbabes.com/newyears" target="_blank">21 day challenge</a> it really opened up my frame of thinking for what could and should go together in a juice.<br /><br />Based on <a href="http://www.blenderbabes.com/lifestyle-diet/dairy-free/blender-babes-juice-cleanse-recipes-detox-drink-3-i-am-sweet/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> I now drink the below juice EVERYDAY as part of my lunch.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awQ0sXJ1U_A/UvA6hqN1lCI/AAAAAAAACZI/hQiluIXH_xc/s1600/greenjuice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awQ0sXJ1U_A/UvA6hqN1lCI/AAAAAAAACZI/hQiluIXH_xc/s1600/greenjuice.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Green Juice:<br /><br />1 cup coconut water<br />1/2 cup water<br />1 apple<br />1/2 cup frozen pineapple<br />3 cups spinach<br />1/3 cucumber<br />1 tsp ginger<br /><br />Blend together (if using a standard blender you may have to blend for a longer period)<br /><br />Here is the thing - this needs to be COLD! Do not attempt to drink this when it's luke warm or even slighly cold. I like my drink ICE Cold. Once I get to work I stick it in the fridge and give it a good shake before I drink it.<br /><br />Calorie Count (yes there is lots of natural sugars in here, if you are looking to cut down the sugar you can use 1/2 apple maybe??) But check out the iron count!!!<br /><br /><h5 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #414141; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Nutrition Facts</h5><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #414141; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Serving Size&nbsp;<span class="serving_num" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span>&nbsp;<span class="miniDesc" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Serving</span></div><div class="r-rail-info-heading" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(59, 59, 59); border-bottom-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(59, 59, 59); border-top-style: solid; border-width: 4px 0px 2px; color: #414141; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; margin: 3px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Per Serving<span class="r-rail-d-val" style="border: 0px; float: right; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">% Daily Value*</span></div><div class="main" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Calories</strong>&nbsp;<span class="miniCal" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">231</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;">Calories from Fat&nbsp;<span class="miniCalFat" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span></div><div class="main" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Total Fat</strong>&nbsp;<span class="miniFat" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1.3</span>g<span class="r-rail-d-val" style="border: 0px; float: right; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="miniFatPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>%</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;">Saturated Fat&nbsp;<span class="miniSFat" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">0.5</span>g<span class="r-rail-d-val" style="border: 0px; float: right; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="miniSFatPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>%</span></div><div class="main" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cholesterol</strong>&nbsp;<span class="miniChol" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">0</span>mg<span class="r-rail-d-val" style="border: 0px; float: right; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="miniCholPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">0</span>%</span></div><div class="main" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sodium</strong>&nbsp;<span class="miniSodium" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">333</span>mg<span class="r-rail-d-val" style="border: 0px; float: right; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="miniSodiumPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span>%</span></div><div class="main" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Carbohydrates</strong>&nbsp;<span class="miniCarb" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">54.9</span>g<span class="r-rail-d-val" style="border: 0px; float: right; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="miniCarbPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">18</span>%</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;">Dietary Fiber&nbsp;<span class="miniFiber" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">11.2</span>g<span class="r-rail-d-val" style="border: 0px; float: right; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="miniFiberPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">45</span>%</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;">Sugars&nbsp;<span class="miniSugar" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">33.7</span>g</div><div class="main" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; color: #747474; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Protein</strong>&nbsp;<span class="miniProtein" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5.8</span>g</div><div class="r-rail-info-div" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(59, 59, 59); border-top-style: solid; border-width: 2px 0px 0px; color: #414141; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin: 2px 0px 0px; padding: 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #414141; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Vitamin A&nbsp;<span class="miniVitaPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">172</span>% · Vitamin C&nbsp;<span class="miniVitcPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">141</span>%</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #414141; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Calcium&nbsp;<span class="miniCalciumPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">18</span>% · Iron&nbsp;<span class="miniIronPct" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">37</span>%</div><br /><br /><br />There you have it!!!! Hope you enjoyed a few things I am loving lately and have time to check out these sites! Any paleo recipes or new juicing sites that you might have?? Please share below!<br /><br /><br />Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-84133493633246123452014-01-28T11:20:00.002-05:002014-01-28T11:20:09.421-05:00Baby it's cold outside - Beam Love We worked over the weekend - in the bitter cold.<br /><br />I would like to just complain about how horrible that was but I am too excited to share with you the big changes we made in the Forever Home. Too many low beams and walls was making this place look so dark. So we contacted the engineer and decided to change some of the beam heights.<br /><div><br /></div>Let me remind you and take you back into the time warp for a second.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Before anything was touched.</i>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3CD5ITkMLE/UufSbIS19UI/AAAAAAAACXQ/l23C5mI1Th4/s1600/380102_10150512337584934_2106307142_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3CD5ITkMLE/UufSbIS19UI/AAAAAAAACXQ/l23C5mI1Th4/s1600/380102_10150512337584934_2106307142_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Removing the walls and checking what is load bearing.&nbsp;</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjtUUMYFL7c/UufS3v6Y_QI/AAAAAAAACXY/xWTMNMpumTU/s1600/beamreno1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjtUUMYFL7c/UufS3v6Y_QI/AAAAAAAACXY/xWTMNMpumTU/s1600/beamreno1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>New extended beam &amp; the post in which we thought we were going to leave.&nbsp;</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2GV5hgAjC4/UufTWAp9TvI/AAAAAAAACXg/Bhg1XW5nDhw/s1600/1507844_10151971198224934_671610339_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2GV5hgAjC4/UufTWAp9TvI/AAAAAAAACXg/Bhg1XW5nDhw/s1600/1507844_10151971198224934_671610339_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Let's play a game - can you see what's missing in this mess??????</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AkxIAiYKh8/UufU-lD6aJI/AAAAAAAACXo/6-MyM5ayiBw/s1600/beamreno2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AkxIAiYKh8/UufU-lD6aJI/AAAAAAAACXo/6-MyM5ayiBw/s1600/beamreno2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The post is gone!! Go back look at the time warp and now this!&nbsp;</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6tD1AqTivA/UufVc_H5GzI/AAAAAAAACXw/qkIqlqdwOUU/s1600/beamreno3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6tD1AqTivA/UufVc_H5GzI/AAAAAAAACXw/qkIqlqdwOUU/s1600/beamreno3.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />NOW FOR SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT HOME RENO'S<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When ripping the walls apart the post on the right has the height of all of the family members (only 1 owner ever lived here) We installed a new post added our heights and also added the old families heights.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">FUN right!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TCm7rQ12DTY/UufWF4oo0tI/AAAAAAAACX4/kR4wwHOinag/s1600/height.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TCm7rQ12DTY/UufWF4oo0tI/AAAAAAAACX4/kR4wwHOinag/s1600/height.jpg" height="640" width="386" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The aftermath - the mess - we accept free labour if anybody wants to come over and help clean up.&nbsp;</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wwvQqe65ZDY/UufWlbX_VpI/AAAAAAAACYA/QrAdRIQS_Ik/s1600/mess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wwvQqe65ZDY/UufWlbX_VpI/AAAAAAAACYA/QrAdRIQS_Ik/s1600/mess.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Tell me, what do you think of the "Forever Home" changes so far???????<br /><br /><br />Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-16572539929720881372014-01-24T08:18:00.001-05:002014-01-24T09:09:21.448-05:00Friday Dreaming - Kindness Take II If you missed it you need to go back to last week's <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2014/01/friday-dreaming-kindness.html" target="_blank">Friday Dreaming - Kindness </a>post and take a look at a few fellow bloggers who made an impact towards myself when I first started out this little old blog of mine.<br /><br />Let me tell you, I could probably write a "Friday Dreaming - Kindness" post every Friday because of the number of individuals who have impacted me in a KIND way.<br /><br />But I am focusing on the first bloggers that I came across and how they helped me to continue on with this journey of writing my own personal online diary as I like to call it.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O3WJGnpmiOo/UuF588TPg2I/AAAAAAAACWY/uwG8QcnZY-g/s1600/601211_450499191670896_1026185098_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O3WJGnpmiOo/UuF588TPg2I/AAAAAAAACWY/uwG8QcnZY-g/s1600/601211_450499191670896_1026185098_n.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>Alexsandra from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.realtyqueento.com/" target="_blank">Realty Queen</a>&nbsp;- I mean this girl is not just a realty queen, she is a renovating queen as well! She has a list of homes on her blog that she has flipped and sold. I came across her blog early on in my blogging days and instantly loved her style. Most times when you come across somebody who is really great at something and you are just starting out you would think might be a little snobby. Not this girl. She was always so KIND to me. Whenever I needed an opinion on something she would come up with some ideas right away. Go follow her right now! Oh and if you actually need a Realtor I suggest give her a call.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWkGWgoo_Y4/UuF2nDvPAII/AAAAAAAACWM/kth6RHkCJHQ/s1600/374510_708797939131350_871478416_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWkGWgoo_Y4/UuF2nDvPAII/AAAAAAAACWM/kth6RHkCJHQ/s1600/374510_708797939131350_871478416_n.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>Thalita from <a href="http://thelearnerobserver.com/" target="_blank">The Learner Observer&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;- Let me tell you a story about this KIND lady. I met Thalita later on my blogging life. Again through twitter - and started following her journey. When I met her for the first time at Blogpodium I was shy and at that time figured she probably totally forgot who I was and what my blog was about. (I pretty much assumed most of that day that nobody knew who I was, therefore refused to give out business cards for fear of that look in somebody face - like who are you??) So I didn't take the opportunity to chat with her more. But she had this radiant smile and just seemed so genuinely friendly. Then we ran into each other at the Princess Margaret House. Yup - she was still the same person! Bubbly and funny that kind of person you know being friends with would be awesome. (OK, im sort of sounding like a creeper here, but there is a story to this) We pretty much follow the same people on twitter and have some many chats and laughs as well as follow each others blogs. One particular day we both joked about how much fun it would be to attend the Chapters Spring Preview event. Well guess what - Thalita got an invite!!!! Pretty awesome eh! It's gets better she could bring a friend and she decided to bring ME! WHAT - she could have asked anybody, a family member, a close friend. BUT nope she knew that I had really really wanted to go and asked me. No more words are needed that should be enough to help you understand what a KIND person she is. <br /><br />I hope you have a chance to go and follow these ladies!<br /><br />Before I end this note there are a few other fellow blogging buddies that I just love the follow along and pretty much keep me laughing on our social media platforms so take a second and check out their pretty little spaces on this world wide web of ours.<br /><br /><br />Alex from <a href="http://www.northstory.ca/" target="_blank">Northstory</a> - she's pretty much famous, created an awesome facebook group for us ladies to share ideas and her blog is full of fun craft ideas with a touch of genuine words.<br /><br />Amy from <a href="http://loveonsunday.com/" target="_blank">Love on Sunday</a> - I could just stare at her header on her blog all day, &nbsp;I love the simplicity of it. Check out her amazing design ideas.<br /><br />Julia from <a href="http://homeon129acres.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Home on 129Acres</a> - ummmmm the name of her blog says it all - 129 acres!!! Now that is awesome. They have a pond that is a skating rink in the winter and tractor with a name. Just for those reasons you should follow her.<br /><br />Cate from <a href="http://www.catemoore.ca/" target="_blank">Cate Moore</a> - if you are not into following blogs at least go follow her on twitter because her 140 word statements are moving - so that along with her blog just makes you instantly in a happy place all day.<br /><br />So there you have it....do you have anybody you want to share about??? Please leave a comment below I would love to hear about somebody that maybe I need to be following!<br /><br />Have a great weekend and be sure to check back on Monday - BIG things happened this week at the "Forever Home"<br /><br /><br /><br />Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-49959080023223910782014-01-20T06:04:00.001-05:002014-01-20T06:04:15.637-05:00DIY Home Additions - Part 3 The entrance to the "Forever Home" was probably one of my biggest hates of the house when we purchased it. Imagine walking into the house with no where to place your shoes or coat and walk straight into the kitchen. As well the stairs to the basement were immediately to the left of the door.<br /><br />There was no grand feature because at that time the focus was on the front of the house which had a 1/2 wrap porch and sliding doors that allowed you a beautiful view of the front yard.<br /><br />This had to change. We knew right away that an addition would have to be done to create a more welcoming entrance and more space for important storage areas such as a bench with coat hangers, proper closet, powder room, a place to move the stairs, and storage for fire wood.<br /><br />Here is how the entrance looked when we purchased the "Forever Home"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The main entrance is that door on the side of the house.</i>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnS_sQCOHik/Utpt4JzTAFI/AAAAAAAACVc/kXvjL6GsUDg/s1600/entrance).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnS_sQCOHik/Utpt4JzTAFI/AAAAAAAACVc/kXvjL6GsUDg/s1600/entrance).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is the view once you enter the door, to the very right of the picture you can see the door handle of the door to outside. The other door is the powder room and right across the powder room are the stairs.&nbsp;</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-816bDaV3OSk/UtpuQEB_hcI/AAAAAAAACVk/GQoxnNq4u58/s1600/entranceinside+(800x533).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-816bDaV3OSk/UtpuQEB_hcI/AAAAAAAACVk/GQoxnNq4u58/s1600/entranceinside+(800x533).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />As explained above imagine walking in kitchen, dining room, powder room, stairs all in reach of each other.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Basically a home owners nightmare.&nbsp;</i></div><br /><br /><br />When we were designing the main entrance addition we went through many different layouts.<br /><br />First we had no plans to move the stairs and the room was only going to be around 200 sq ft. The door would have been removed but not enlarged. <br /><br />Second layout we decided to enlarge the space so that it did not look off set to the master bedroom addition, so we created a larger 420 sq. ft area but because the master bedroom was going to be 560 sq ft. we decided on a 6 ft over hang to equalize the roof line. Still no plan to move the stairs.<br /><br />Third, once we realized how much room we had the decision to move the stairs was easy. We spoke with the engineer in how we could break a portion of the wall in the basement and support the upper wall with an extra beam. When pouring the cement for the entrance addition we also added a stair shaft.<br /><br />The fourth and final layout was that we decided to double the open door space between the the addition and the new house. Again, we consulted with engineer and he advised which extra support would be needed to tear down an extra portion of the wall and create more of an opening.<br /><br />With the fourth layout we have now moved the stairs completely out of view when you enter. The powder room will no longer be beside the kitchen. Tons of storage space. We also decided to remove the upper glass on the peak of the entrance and leave that all open to the &nbsp;new entrance.<br /><br />Over the weekend we finished supporting the over hang by putting up the remaining rafters on the peak (just Branko and I did this) I might have cried a little holding the ladder that Branko was standing on. The remaining plywood was also put up to finally close the entire space.<br /><br />Here is a view of how it currently stands:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sMJyyNuPso/UtxssbzlEFI/AAAAAAAACV0/fbOQlz8M5A4/s1600/newentrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sMJyyNuPso/UtxssbzlEFI/AAAAAAAACV0/fbOQlz8M5A4/s1600/newentrance.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><span id="goog_1050479810"></span><span id="goog_1050479811"></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQIfmPB7Ieo/UtxtFBer3fI/AAAAAAAACV8/JtZrXL_wohY/s1600/entrance+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQIfmPB7Ieo/UtxtFBer3fI/AAAAAAAACV8/JtZrXL_wohY/s1600/entrance+(2).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I cannot wait for this room to be fully closed in. The stairs will not be moved for at least another month but having the plywood up really gives us a nice feel for the size of this room!<br /><br />Have you built anything this weekend? Any tips for us on that over hang? We are still deciding if we want pillars and what sort of porch we will build here.<br /><br />Hope everybody had a great weekend!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-14789941390166373372014-01-17T09:15:00.000-05:002014-01-17T09:15:44.757-05:00Friday Dreaming - KindnessI've been reading many posts this week about all of the bullying that is happening among the blogging world and as I was driving home yesterday I thought to myself - screw all those assholes (the bullies) the fact is they aren't going away.<br /><br />I know my "Friday Dreaming" posts are normally based on things I am dreaming about our "Forever Home" but you know what there has been a lot of kindness that has come along with all of this so it needs to be shared and I hope and dream that going forward more Kindness will appear.<br /><br />So today's post is going to focus solely on all of the KIND people I have come across through blogging.<br /><br />When I started all of this I was scared....I mean I am certainly not the best writer and I wasn't making super cool crafts to share. I just wanted to share a journey of building a home with my husband. Just the two of us.<br /><br /><br />Sooooooooooooooo without further waiting here we go.....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjVwCHOE9NA/UtkmzCtnK7I/AAAAAAAACUo/0dTBXB7Er-Y/s1600/thinheader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjVwCHOE9NA/UtkmzCtnK7I/AAAAAAAACUo/0dTBXB7Er-Y/s1600/thinheader.jpg" height="107" width="640" /></a></div>Jeanette from <a href="http://www.thisdustyhouse.com/" target="_blank">This Dusty House</a> - When I first came across her blog I felt an immediate connection. Her and her husband are on a similar journey of fixing up there home together. I loved the way she shared her thoughts on her blog. I started following her on twitter and she was immediately KIND. We shared some laughs and one day I must meet this lady!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FY7DTtgEBEg/UtkoxYX2K-I/AAAAAAAACU0/-QROvBkgLYM/s1600/header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FY7DTtgEBEg/UtkoxYX2K-I/AAAAAAAACU0/-QROvBkgLYM/s1600/header.png" height="92" width="640" /></a></div>Lynne from <a href="http://www.lynneknowlton.com/" target="_blank">Design The Life You Want</a> - I clearly remember the first time Lynne started following me on twitter. I started following her after somebody shared a post of hers ( a very touching one). Then she tweeted me one simple KIND comment about my blog and I was on cloud nine. That's all it took for me to be forever grateful for reaching out to me I no longer felt completely alone.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FECovy9f2m0/Utkp1exlegI/AAAAAAAACVA/uB15FXc_Aso/s1600/HP2+header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FECovy9f2m0/Utkp1exlegI/AAAAAAAACVA/uB15FXc_Aso/s1600/HP2+header.png" height="184" width="640" /></a></div>Barbara from <a href="http://www.markovadesign.com/" target="_blank">Hodge:Podge</a>&nbsp;- I started following Barbara when I came across one of her showcase posts about Canadian Bloggers. I thought to myself, how KIND is this person! She's not just into the whole blogging thing just for herself but to promote other bloggers as well. One day she tweeted me something along of " I added you to my blogs I love list" WHAT! Thank you Barbara - also she's got some pretty cool design tastes!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcTw8QXJ9os/UtkrofqjxaI/AAAAAAAACVM/QGSbBbgNKsc/s1600/wafflingHeader3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcTw8QXJ9os/UtkrofqjxaI/AAAAAAAACVM/QGSbBbgNKsc/s1600/wafflingHeader3-1.jpg" height="190" width="640" /></a></div>Casey from <a href="http://wafflingdesign.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Waffling</a> - I developed a hastag for Casey - #CaseyJustWantsToParty - this just shows you how much we interact over twitter. Casey is one pretty funny lady but she also has a very KIND soul. You feel that as soon as you meet her. (Yes, we've met - YAY for Blogpodium) Casey shares her journey through life on her blog and it's pretty awesome. Make sure you check it out.<br /><br /><br />There are many more bloggers I would like to highlight so I am going to try and keep this up for next Friday.<br /><br />Before I end off for today there are 2 more people I would like to give a shout out:<br /><br />My sister - <a href="http://andreazadro.com/" target="_blank">Andrea</a> - she has helped me figure out the design on my blog and if it wasn't for her it would probably still look really tacky. She is a graphic designer and has some amazing skills. I love her dearly and the person she is molding out to be. She has a KIND heart. Thanks sister!<br /><br />Thalita &nbsp;from <a href="http://thelearnerobserver.com/" target="_blank">The Learner Observer </a>- last night you did something so KIND that it made me realize I needed to write this post more than ever today. I will touch base more on Thalita next week and what she did for me.<br /><br /><br />Please share below the KIND things other bloggers have done for you and your thoughts on this! Let's focus on the positive of this blogging world we share!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-6675551346694505972014-01-10T11:39:00.002-05:002014-01-10T13:18:30.275-05:00Friday Dreaming - Forever Home Time WarpMany of you may have just recently started following along with our "Forever Home" renovations so I thought today I would take you down a little Time Warp back to the 1970's when this house was completed and exactly how it looked when we bought it 2 years ago.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fireplace/Living Room</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODrcwJYRdnM/UtARsq1GByI/AAAAAAAACSo/RTkePWXOKsY/s1600/Living+Rooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODrcwJYRdnM/UtARsq1GByI/AAAAAAAACSo/RTkePWXOKsY/s1600/Living+Rooms.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Kitchen</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16Gpl2K176U/UtARy6tH0yI/AAAAAAAACSw/Qu8XQNqyB84/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16Gpl2K176U/UtARy6tH0yI/AAAAAAAACSw/Qu8XQNqyB84/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Dining Room</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cOpoot3Wo14/UtAR5ZPuSNI/AAAAAAAACS4/qoAS_Nobe2o/s1600/DiningRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cOpoot3Wo14/UtAR5ZPuSNI/AAAAAAAACS4/qoAS_Nobe2o/s1600/DiningRoom.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance View</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNh0n5fgLjk/UtAR-4EOXQI/AAAAAAAACTA/DdIcWaa__Fo/s1600/EntranceView.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNh0n5fgLjk/UtAR-4EOXQI/AAAAAAAACTA/DdIcWaa__Fo/s1600/EntranceView.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Powder Room</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EwqayTfJFVA/UtASCjeQJxI/AAAAAAAACTI/5BFLoQHh39Q/s1600/PowderRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EwqayTfJFVA/UtASCjeQJxI/AAAAAAAACTI/5BFLoQHh39Q/s1600/PowderRoom.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">AND SOME DREAMY INSPIRATION PICS ON HOW WE PLAN TO TRANSFORM THIS PLACE.......</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Grey Kitchen&nbsp;</i><i>(photo link&nbsp;<a href="http://clarkzookarchitects.com/exhibit/north-wood-valley/" target="_blank">here</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-it6G1R-3CbQ/UtAX0YO8a7I/AAAAAAAACTg/uZMRpE22KuQ/s1600/greykitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-it6G1R-3CbQ/UtAX0YO8a7I/AAAAAAAACTg/uZMRpE22KuQ/s1600/greykitchen.jpg" height="514" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rustic but fresh living room (picture link <a href="http://www.steenaiesh.no/" target="_blank">here</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mg8ib_gD58I/UtAZE80HXXI/AAAAAAAACTs/JqoDIHR35o4/s1600/livingroom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mg8ib_gD58I/UtAZE80HXXI/AAAAAAAACTs/JqoDIHR35o4/s1600/livingroom2.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Dining Room (picture via&nbsp;</i><a href="http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/" target="_blank">http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/</a>)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZN3et9NWi0/UtAanAzoZ4I/AAAAAAAACT4/UPtsJyrNP2o/s1600/Dining-Room-Makeover-with-Bright-and-Bold-Wall1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZN3et9NWi0/UtAanAzoZ4I/AAAAAAAACT4/UPtsJyrNP2o/s1600/Dining-Room-Makeover-with-Bright-and-Bold-Wall1.jpg" height="640" width="516" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Wide Plank Floor (picture via pinterest - don't hate me OK)&nbsp;</i>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--CnOrYcuMNA/UtAfDBUosoI/AAAAAAAACUE/JSUZYa-Z7xU/s1600/wideplank2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--CnOrYcuMNA/UtAfDBUosoI/AAAAAAAACUE/JSUZYa-Z7xU/s1600/wideplank2.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Massive Front Doors (we own a set just like this from an old church in the Beach or Beaches)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d80PSCOP0lY/UtAfaZx92yI/AAAAAAAACUM/q95yF04xpE0/s1600/frontdoors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d80PSCOP0lY/UtAfaZx92yI/AAAAAAAACUM/q95yF04xpE0/s1600/frontdoors.jpg" height="634" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Master Bedroom Oasis (picture via link <a href="http://rsassoc.com/project/sugar-creek/" target="_blank">here</a>)&nbsp;</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZApNoxRhAFk/UtAg6FeVJfI/AAAAAAAACUY/Q1ndENu6Oxo/s1600/Bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZApNoxRhAFk/UtAg6FeVJfI/AAAAAAAACUY/Q1ndENu6Oxo/s1600/Bedroom.jpg" height="640" width="446" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What do you think?? Can you envision what I am envisioning???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've already taken down so many walls, gutted the entire house to its bare bones and added 2 additions...next up this weekend tearing the cedar ceilings down!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you keep follow along this DREAM "Forever Home" transformation with US!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div>Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-38248493655640817062014-01-06T09:22:00.001-05:002014-01-06T09:22:42.852-05:00DIY Home Additions - Part 2I've been a horrible blogger - every time I thought about providing an update on the "Forever Home" I became lazy because nobody wants to read a blog post with crappy pictures.<br /><br />We have been working but this cold, ice, rain, snow, more cold, a bit of warmth has really messed us up. The "Forever Home" is on a hill, there fore all building materials need to be lugged up the hill. No easy feat when the hill is now ice covered in snow. It was more like a death trap. Each day we went to work it consisted of the first 2 hours of just prep work. Shovel the ice out the work area and then go lug the materials in place. By the time this was done we needed a break.<br /><br />The good thing to all of the above is that we are still on schedule for the most part. I believe Branko would wish we were further along but we have no control over the weather conditions so we have to work with what we are getting. (on a side note, Branko worked for 2 days without me in the -20's - I was a wuss and could not bare it)<br /><br />So lets get to business - the second part to the DIY Home additions. (<a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/12/diy-home-additions-part-1.html" target="_blank">You can read about the Part 1 here</a>)<br /><br />The walls and roof:<br /><br />Step 1: Make sure you measure and are sure where you want those windows!! Branko ordered all of the material as the walls/roof were being built with 2x6's. He measured the length of one section of the wall and built it on the floor in position so it could be lifted into place. This step is fairly easy. Build your wall, nail it together, lift in place, and secure it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-coVGvl2-pzI/Usmajq1d9AI/AAAAAAAACRw/bkrm12W3Dk4/s1600/wall1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-coVGvl2-pzI/Usmajq1d9AI/AAAAAAAACRw/bkrm12W3Dk4/s640/wall1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Step 2: Because this is a peaked roof installing the rafters were also an easy task. I carried all of the 2x6's into the work area and while I did that, Branko cut them into the proper length and prepared the top plate on top of the beam where the rafters would be secured. Branko used a high ladder in the middle to reach the top beam and I used a small ladder at the end. Once he was on the ladder I passed the 2x6 to him and would climb the ladder and secure the 2x6 so it wouldn't fall to the ground. It took us 45 min to install 18 rafters.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cV4ntGNYbxY/UsmbTXDWhuI/AAAAAAAACR4/ChXoeg2dCsQ/s1600/rafters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cV4ntGNYbxY/UsmbTXDWhuI/AAAAAAAACR4/ChXoeg2dCsQ/s640/rafters.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Step 3: Plywood the walls! Again we worked in a great team effort. I lugged all of the plywood over to our work area and while I did that Branko would mount them on the wall and nail them down. Normally just putting the plywood on the wall would be a 2 person job same as the carrying the plywood. But because there is only 2 of us we had to work a little harder to speed up the process.<br /><br />AND<br /><br />Step 4: Plywood the roof. OK, I failed here and Branko pretty much did this entire job himself. I did bring most of the plywood over to the work area but on the last day the wind was just brutal and I gave up. You are probably wondering "How did he lift 50 lb awkward shaped plywood pieces on the roof himself" Well, he's smart(or crazy). He simply nailed down stoppers at the end of the roof line, carried the plywood in place and lunged it on the roof. It couldn't slide down because of the stoppers. Then he used a ladder to get up on the roof and nail them down. Once one piece of plywood was up he would add more stoppers so he could walk safely and nail each plywood piece down.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5G0yvxwVUo/UsmdW1G9NII/AAAAAAAACSE/1luP_OPh15A/s1600/plywood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5G0yvxwVUo/UsmdW1G9NII/AAAAAAAACSE/1luP_OPh15A/s640/plywood.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />There you have it! DIY Home Additions Part 2!! I hope this helps push you to complete any large projects you have in place, always remember that if you put your mind to it you can get it done!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />On a side note....you might be wondering (or maybe not) about a good old fashion year in review post or some new years resolutions. To be honest, I believe we already have so much pressure on us I don't want to set resolutions as well so here is a list of things that keep my mind spinning in circles:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">build a home</div><div style="text-align: center;">sell a home</div><div style="text-align: center;">build a garage</div><div style="text-align: center;">go on vacation</div><div style="text-align: center;">be more healthy&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">lose weight&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>have kids</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">be less negative&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">worry less</div><div style="text-align: center;">worry less about driving in bad weather</div><div style="text-align: center;">design a home</div><div style="text-align: center;">visit friends more</div><div style="text-align: center;">visit family more</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You get the idea. No resolutions for this kid.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope everybody had a great Christmas &amp; New Years!!! Looking forward to 2014 and everything it throws at me.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-44967121436504521822013-12-13T14:44:00.001-05:002013-12-14T08:20:59.475-05:00What would you do....I have a confession to make. I haven't been writing as passionately as I would like to be about the "Forever Home" because truthfully I am overwhelmed with all of the decisions we have to make so soon.<br /><br />Who knew that such a simple thing like the placement of a window was going to be so difficult.<br /><br />I am not a designer.<br /><br />I am not an architect<br /><br />and lastly<br /><br />I am not a good decision maker. <br /><br /><br />We are framing the master bedroom and the placement of the windows are very important. I am trying to think of furniture placement and the way the sun will shine in from the windows. Where will the mirror and the TV(yes we are having a TV in our bedroom, don't judge) go.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bo4Sik6Bj64/UqtakXp1KeI/AAAAAAAACQE/22SyN5eQ9yU/s1600/016-hilltop-house-jordan-iverson-signature-homes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bo4Sik6Bj64/UqtakXp1KeI/AAAAAAAACQE/22SyN5eQ9yU/s1600/016-hilltop-house-jordan-iverson-signature-homes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>picture via <a href="http://www.homeadore.com/2013/02/14/hilltop-house-jordan-iverson-signature-homes/" target="_blank">HomeAdore</a></i></div><br />How much room do I need in the master bathroom. I want the free standing tub directly under the window. But do I want the window to go down to the tub or have it higher up since this is a ground level people can easily look in.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dOOQwtvcIU/UqtbhOF7eUI/AAAAAAAACQM/38_F9vDU9iw/s1600/freestandingtub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dOOQwtvcIU/UqtbhOF7eUI/AAAAAAAACQM/38_F9vDU9iw/s1600/freestandingtub.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>picture via <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/house-pictures/chevron-bathroom-tiles#slide-14" target="_blank">House Beautiful</a>&nbsp;</i></div><br />What kind of windows do I install. Do I want a window with a mullion in the middle or just 1 nice window that doesn't open. (the side window would open where the sitting space will be)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCLYqIZl000/Uqtb6cfVWOI/AAAAAAAACQU/7aUrpzqj8xU/s1600/011-hilltop-house-jordan-iverson-signature-homes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCLYqIZl000/Uqtb6cfVWOI/AAAAAAAACQU/7aUrpzqj8xU/s1600/011-hilltop-house-jordan-iverson-signature-homes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>picture via <a href="http://www.homeadore.com/2013/02/14/hilltop-house-jordan-iverson-signature-homes/" target="_blank">Home Adore</a>&nbsp;</i></div><br />Branko has changed his mind on the façade of the house and is now thinking he might want Board and Batton(cedar) with stone. BUT how do we place the stone. The walk out basement is very tricky and we can only use Ledger stone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDdgSN9GRC4/UqthDBRJVYI/AAAAAAAACRI/41PDnFLhEMY/s1600/128b7a46471d6b468080cdf8ef5f9216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDdgSN9GRC4/UqthDBRJVYI/AAAAAAAACRI/41PDnFLhEMY/s1600/128b7a46471d6b468080cdf8ef5f9216.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">picture via <a href="http://www.dreamhomesource.com/house-plans/dhs/dhsw53553.html?from=search" target="_blank">Dream Home Source&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How do I want the front over hang to look...do I want pillars or leave it?????</div><br />Ohhhh and the ceiling inside the house. We have to rip down most of the cedar ceiling to have spray foam done. I have been given the option to leave the the middle of the house with the cedar...do I whitewash that to give it a unique look or do I just rip it all down and drywall it. AND if the ceilings are going to be white what colour do I stain the beams?????<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHoRUh6tFY0/Uqth0nIUFHI/AAAAAAAACRY/g1qOqC8nEQI/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHoRUh6tFY0/Uqth0nIUFHI/AAAAAAAACRY/g1qOqC8nEQI/s1600/021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>picture via myself! This is one of the original pictures of the living room before we ripped everything out.&nbsp;</i></div><br /><br />WHAT WILL BE THE EASIEST WAY TO DO THE PROJECT - this is one of our biggest obstacles. When you are working on something so grande with only 2 people some of the decisions really have to take place surrounding the level of difficulty in the work process.<br /><br />At least I still know I want a grey kitchen.....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yR9aT5oQH0I/UqtigY91d2I/AAAAAAAACRg/oKcj1GFlAEQ/s1600/greykitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yR9aT5oQH0I/UqtigY91d2I/AAAAAAAACRg/oKcj1GFlAEQ/s1600/greykitchen.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If anybody knows where this picture is originally from please let me know, as I would love to see the rest of this kitchen!&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for listening friends!! Next week I will be back with Part 2 of the DIY Home Additions!!!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-90401424920679509572013-12-04T12:37:00.004-05:002013-12-04T12:37:42.193-05:00DIY Home Additions - Part 1 Yes, you are reading that correctly. Today I will be talking about our home additions and the process to do it yourself!<br /><br />If you have been following along here for a while you will know that Branko and I do pretty much most of our building on our own. The only time we ever call for some help is when something might just be too heavy to lift for myself and Branko can't do it himself.<br /><br />I showed you the layout of our <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/11/before-after-floor-plan-forever-home.html" target="_blank">"Forever Home" here </a>and talked about how we wanted to make 2 additions at each end of the house.<br /><br />This project got started 2 weeks ago when Branko rented a small excavator to dig the trenches for the footings. Thankfully the soil is actually sand, therefore we were able to do the trench &amp; pour process.<br /><br />Step 1: Dig footings and pour cement. (It took Branko 3 hours to dig all 3 foots for a 540 sq. ft. area)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GMgItlHXZ84/Up9kRM6F7xI/AAAAAAAACPI/JuafPL0zMKY/s1600/footings1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GMgItlHXZ84/Up9kRM6F7xI/AAAAAAAACPI/JuafPL0zMKY/s640/footings1.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 2: Tamp the area where the cement is going to be poured so the surface area is level.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dW-XXWFc49c/Up9kxArokqI/AAAAAAAACPQ/c-eduqQvf50/s1600/tamper3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dW-XXWFc49c/Up9kxArokqI/AAAAAAAACPQ/c-eduqQvf50/s640/tamper3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 3: Lay the re-bar down(this holds the cement together)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_USkSdERT7Q/Up9lI2DDOzI/AAAAAAAACPg/WWijy1LdZXY/s1600/rebar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_USkSdERT7Q/Up9lI2DDOzI/AAAAAAAACPg/WWijy1LdZXY/s640/rebar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 4: Pour the cement and level!!!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPrTHYRT-BM/Up9lcucMnGI/AAAAAAAACPo/YoohdJz0zLw/s1600/slab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPrTHYRT-BM/Up9lcucMnGI/AAAAAAAACPo/YoohdJz0zLw/s640/slab.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>This job was completed by 3 guys. Branko did all of the trenching and preparing himself and had 2 people help with the pouring of the cement. The last picture shows the view of the trees that will be seen from the soaker tub and the 2 top pictures show the views from the area where the bed will be. The above pictures are all where the new master bedroom will sit. The other addition is going to be a new entrance way.<br /><br /><br />Next week I will share with you how we built the sub-floor and framing over the course of 3 days.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6TmnCVpQ1qc/Up9mdA6TxyI/AAAAAAAACP0/VZpKAyjL3J4/s1600/hammerdrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6TmnCVpQ1qc/Up9mdA6TxyI/AAAAAAAACP0/VZpKAyjL3J4/s640/hammerdrill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Have you ever attempted building a structure like this yourself?? I would love to hear how it went!<br /><br /><br />Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-26679188356535455892013-11-19T08:17:00.002-05:002013-11-19T11:11:15.987-05:00The last year in a snapshot.....As I sit here and think about the footings being poured I am reminded about much we did in the last year.<br /><div><br /></div><div>On most days I can't even comprehend how much work we've done so with that said let me take you down memory lane.....</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Nov. 22nd, 2012 - <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2012/11/old-home-update.html" target="_blank">decide to take old house off market and build an addition.</a></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ED6pGsXgp48/UoqYUdPhvVI/AAAAAAAACNc/nKkxcf467_o/s1600/houseaddition.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ED6pGsXgp48/UoqYUdPhvVI/AAAAAAAACNc/nKkxcf467_o/s640/houseaddition.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Feb. 25th, 2013 - <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/02/running-out-of-gas.html" target="_blank">a post to remind myself to keep going, the midway point, the long working days in the dead of winter were wearing on me</a>.</b>&nbsp;</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yQKC2cuEng/UoqZCHvVfZI/AAAAAAAACNk/jBeMCGnhhB4/s1600/cold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yQKC2cuEng/UoqZCHvVfZI/AAAAAAAACNk/jBeMCGnhhB4/s400/cold.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>June 17th, 2013 - <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/06/say-whataddition-update.html" target="_blank">time to celebrate, summer was here and the addition to the old home was done!&nbsp;</a></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XLSjfGqU6L4/UoqZm0I1Q_I/AAAAAAAACNs/fuZRmS6VHsY/s1600/June7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XLSjfGqU6L4/UoqZm0I1Q_I/AAAAAAAACNs/fuZRmS6VHsY/s640/June7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>July 2nd, 2013 - <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/07/canada-day-long-weekend-re-cap.html" target="_blank">we took a little break and enjoyed ourselves.</a></b></i>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8GspKYUDEvE/UoqaEdzPsDI/AAAAAAAACN0/n387g1yKp1o/s1600/treehouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8GspKYUDEvE/UoqaEdzPsDI/AAAAAAAACN0/n387g1yKp1o/s640/treehouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=519720718083140&amp;set=a.377973318924548.102289.275455955842952&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank">(photo credit here!!!)&nbsp;</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Aug. 19th, 2013 - <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/08/a-day-in-life-of-building-garage.html" target="_blank">the dream garage!!!!!</a> This was our pride and joy project, 2 months of hard work and lots of laughs. <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/09/raise-roof-dream-garage-update.html" target="_blank">We were so close....</a></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_WC2RJb3Jo/UoqbLO5UL3I/AAAAAAAACOA/kiNgcLSMStA/s1600/dreamgarage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_WC2RJb3Jo/UoqbLO5UL3I/AAAAAAAACOA/kiNgcLSMStA/s640/dreamgarage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Nov. 4th, 2013 -<a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/11/when-disaster-strikesdream-garage-update.html"> then this happened and it was the most horrible weekend we could have ever imagined. It still makes me sad to think about it</a></b></i><a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/11/when-disaster-strikesdream-garage-update.html">.&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-molEf6P5NDc/Uoqbvvtn5oI/AAAAAAAACOI/JMHrOZ83ZS4/s1600/garage2+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-molEf6P5NDc/Uoqbvvtn5oI/AAAAAAAACOI/JMHrOZ83ZS4/s640/garage2+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Nov. 13th, 2013 -<a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/11/before-after-floor-plan-forever-home.html" target="_blank"> we learned you need to stand tall and be proud of everything you have done, that when disaster happens you band together and move forward, so we did.</a></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiZLPqJD89I/Uoqc7NZvIpI/AAAAAAAACOU/MJhaMfthiBo/s1600/first-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiZLPqJD89I/Uoqc7NZvIpI/AAAAAAAACOU/MJhaMfthiBo/s640/first-design.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Nov. 18th - the additions to the "forever home" start. More to come on this next week....but here is a little preview.&nbsp;</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8zsNmxvQVk/Uoq8DjtdF9I/AAAAAAAACOs/3nIH2HSPzSE/s1600/DSC01215+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8zsNmxvQVk/Uoq8DjtdF9I/AAAAAAAACOs/3nIH2HSPzSE/s640/DSC01215+(640x480).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><i><br /></i></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>You can see our lives our not perfect things don't always go the way we want them to but we figure it out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-26079036895396530822013-11-13T10:59:00.003-05:002013-11-13T10:59:44.213-05:00Before & After Floor Plan - Forever Home The "Forever Home" has been the hot topic in our house the last week! We are in the process of having all of our permits approved and ready to start some digging this weekend!<br /><br />Branko and I have been working on our layout and how we would want certain rooms to look. I was lucky enough to find this <a href="http://www.floorplanner.com/">free online floor planner</a> to help me out!<br /><br />First here is look at how the upper floor looked prior to us making any changes:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Chsj566hhPE/UoOcAPPhV3I/AAAAAAAACNA/xx58_fCg0x0/s1600/first-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Chsj566hhPE/UoOcAPPhV3I/AAAAAAAACNA/xx58_fCg0x0/s640/first-design.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Things that drove me completely crazy about this floor plan was the main entrance that walked straight into the kitchen or down the stairs, no closet space for shoes or coats, the main bathroom that was in the middle of the living room, the closed off partition wall that separated the dining room from the living room, the small kitchen with no dishwasher. <br /><br /><br />Here is a look at the new plan:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dLh1inZTkA/UoOeM9S0a6I/AAAAAAAACNM/HckLvyRYQ6w/s1600/first-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dLh1inZTkA/UoOeM9S0a6I/AAAAAAAACNM/HckLvyRYQ6w/s640/first-design.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />As you can see the house is now much larger since we are adding 2 additions to each end of the house.<br /><br />The new entrance will allow room to move the powder room and stairs. This leaves more space for the dining room area and a new small pantry in the kitchen. The new entrance will also have closets and coat racks and a space to stack wood for the winter.<br /><br />We created a very open concept living space by removing the partition wall between the dining and living room space, the kitchen has been made larger by removing the existing bathroom and extending the kitchen into that space which allows us to have a fully open concept area, a hallway was made between the bedroom and 1 bedroom was removed and turned into a bathroom, a closet was added in one of the smaller bedrooms.<br /><br />The other addition is the master bedroom en-suite. This will have a full 4 piece bathroom with standing shower, free standing tub, double sink vanity and toilet. A spacious walk in closet will be situated beside the bathroom. The area for the bed is quite large, we will have enough room for some extra seating.<br /><br />We have also changed the deck layout as it will no longer wrap the front of the house and will only sit in front of the French doors.<br /><br />What do you think?????? Anything suggestions on something we should change? Do you use a floor planner?<br /><br /><br /><br />PS: I also just wanted to send out a BIG Thank you to everybody who sent such kind thought about the <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/11/when-disaster-strikesdream-garage-update.html">garage </a>and the family passing. It was a rough week but we have managed to move on think about the Forever Home plans!<br /><br />Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-77424788827218663242013-11-04T20:45:00.000-05:002013-11-04T20:45:23.555-05:00When disaster strikes....Dream Garage UpdateIf you have been following along you would know that lately all I have been talking about is the dream garage, I wrote about it <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/08/garage-update-dream-garage.html">here</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/09/raise-roof-dream-garage-update.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9BbotJBMFk/UnevMosr1DI/AAAAAAAACMI/1VoL3pQ7dhw/s1600/quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9BbotJBMFk/UnevMosr1DI/AAAAAAAACMI/1VoL3pQ7dhw/s640/quote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I had a great weekend planned, spending time with a friend Friday night and then Saturday morning heading to my parents place to spend the day with my mom and a little shopping trip to Buffalo.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnuXtv2GmmU/UnewK0hUb9I/AAAAAAAACMg/ZFIf_gFRpKw/s1600/quote4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnuXtv2GmmU/UnewK0hUb9I/AAAAAAAACMg/ZFIf_gFRpKw/s640/quote4.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><br />We made it to Buffalo but no more than 20 min. into the shopping trip I received this horrible message from Branko:&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Storm has flattened the garage"&nbsp;</span></b></i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>It couldn't be I thought, maybe the roof or plywood was ripped off. But no the entire garage was completely flattened.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imc3LS9PXN4/UneuB6i2YfI/AAAAAAAACLk/o0AeL_orw9Y/s1600/garage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imc3LS9PXN4/UneuB6i2YfI/AAAAAAAACLk/o0AeL_orw9Y/s640/garage3.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The back wall buckled from the force of the wind once it fell backwards it pulled the front wall down and then the roof come straight down.&nbsp;</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>We quickly picked up what we needed and headed home. My drive home from my parents is roughly 1 hour and 30 min. It's safe to say I cried almost the entire way home.<br /><i><br /></i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Big fat wet ugly sobbing tears.&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_BX8gJbOM0/UnevdA-wPmI/AAAAAAAACMQ/eVNCbSD5TWE/s1600/quote2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_BX8gJbOM0/UnevdA-wPmI/AAAAAAAACMQ/eVNCbSD5TWE/s640/quote2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I get it, it's just a garage. Nobody was hurt but I couldn't stop thinking about the long hours of work we put into that garage.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZKiQWbwxVo/UneuNx-3x_I/AAAAAAAACLw/h8l9Ftk8PJQ/s1600/garage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZKiQWbwxVo/UneuNx-3x_I/AAAAAAAACLw/h8l9Ftk8PJQ/s640/garage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This section is the worse part as it sits dangerously and will be the toughest to get apart.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TQNTzmBHOU/Unev2Bem_DI/AAAAAAAACMY/IsYlSrNZ0qs/s1600/quote9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TQNTzmBHOU/Unev2Bem_DI/AAAAAAAACMY/IsYlSrNZ0qs/s640/quote9.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-esxNY-r0jDU/UneuN7VrHoI/AAAAAAAACL4/IF9LGU7aCwI/s1600/garage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-esxNY-r0jDU/UneuN7VrHoI/AAAAAAAACL4/IF9LGU7aCwI/s640/garage4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Standing from further away the front wall is sitting on the ground almost like somebody just pushed it over.&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFGAJub_W7Y/Unew39BDnCI/AAAAAAAACMw/4xuclkNmXdE/s1600/quote73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="533" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFGAJub_W7Y/Unew39BDnCI/AAAAAAAACMw/4xuclkNmXdE/s640/quote73.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">At the end of the weekend we also received some devastating news about a family member passing away and it put all of this in perspective, the garage destroyed didn't matter so much anymore. You can take pieces of wood apart and put them back together but when life is taken from you so suddenly you cannot have that back.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Please note none of the quotes are my own and were all selected from my saved quotes pinterest board randomly found on pinterest. (<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/danica19/quotes/">http://www.pinterest.com/danica19/quotes/</a>)</i></span></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-65233091700582856392013-10-24T10:42:00.000-04:002013-10-24T12:57:19.268-04:00The Log SplitterIt's been slow around here on the renovating side of things. Branko has been extremely busy at work which has left us with little time to tackle some big jobs we need to get done. We are still expecting about 2 more weeks of work on the dream garage until it will be ready for winter. Meaning we can load it with some belongings without any damage.<br /><div><br /></div><div>On some other exciting news though we picked up a log splitter from my dad. Yes, I know what you are thinking <i>"how is a log splitter exciting"</i> well my friends let me grace you with this picture....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmRGL3KhOnY/Umku7wYoaNI/AAAAAAAACLA/j5B0_nI4ELQ/s1600/choppedwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmRGL3KhOnY/Umku7wYoaNI/AAAAAAAACLA/j5B0_nI4ELQ/s640/choppedwood.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, that above picture is a pile of wood that we have been <i><b>hoarding</b></i>. That is 4 dump trucks of wood or 10-15 bush cords. Which ever makes it easier for you to understand the unprecedented amount of wood we need to chop.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>We had to cut down a large amount of trees at the old house to really fix up the landscaping. Then at the new house we had to cut down more trees to make room for the dream garage. Don't worry all you tree huggers, cutting the trees down was a little sad for us as well but it had to be done. Don't forget we are on a tax management forest program to save trees!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, back to the log splitter. We finally managed to pick it up and bring it home. We tried using it last week but some of the fittings had to be changed so last night we were finally set and ready to go.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_vpInKUOc0/UmkvDXhfhvI/AAAAAAAACLI/KOm4peavPBk/s1600/woodsplitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_vpInKUOc0/UmkvDXhfhvI/AAAAAAAACLI/KOm4peavPBk/s640/woodsplitter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br />Now can I just tell how exciting it is when you realize you just saved $200 in an hour! That is the cost of 1/2 bush cord of chopped wood delivered.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>MORE PURSES, WALLETS, CLOTHES, SHOES.........oh wait Branko reads this.... I totally mean more groceries!!!!!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the final product ready to be brought to the old house(yes we still have that home) so we have fire wood for the winter.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpwEJ6M09y8/UmkvNTrkzFI/AAAAAAAACLQ/UeQ1F-grayE/s1600/trailerwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpwEJ6M09y8/UmkvNTrkzFI/AAAAAAAACLQ/UeQ1F-grayE/s640/trailerwood.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(that is half a bush cord/$200)</span></i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Tell me...Do you have a wood burning fireplace that you use? Do you chop your own wood or do you buy it from somewhere? Would love to hear your thoughts....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-59444430636093224862013-10-14T19:15:00.000-04:002013-10-18T15:16:25.423-04:00Thanksgiving Weekend <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We have been blessed with beautiful weather here over the Thanksgiving weekend. It amazes me day in and day out the drive we find to tackle our projects but also incorporate important family time.<br /><br />This weekend was full of &nbsp;"Forever Home" projects. We took Friday off and spent the day removing some more of the front deck from the house.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGivjDH7qGA/Ulv6eiOfaMI/AAAAAAAACI8/uP1J4TG9q8k/s1600/olddeck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGivjDH7qGA/Ulv6eiOfaMI/AAAAAAAACI8/uP1J4TG9q8k/s640/olddeck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Picture taken Aug 5th, 2012. When we took over this home the windows and doors all had to be upgraded. In the above picture the walk-out basement doors were changed. The upper doors were in the process of being changed from sliders to french doors and new windows.&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25-SZAHTE9o/Ulxt9vBjp_I/AAAAAAAACJM/4HAMcOKx9yQ/s1600/deck2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25-SZAHTE9o/Ulxt9vBjp_I/AAAAAAAACJM/4HAMcOKx9yQ/s640/deck2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>Picture taken Oct. 11th, 2013. All of the windows have been replaced making the dining room/bedroom windows much larger for better views. Bushes have all been cut down, siding removed and new plywood put up. Most of the deck removed.&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The plan is for 2 additions at each end of the home, therefore that deck no longer works for the front of the house. A new balcony will be built coming off of the French Doors on the upper floor and a new deck in the back of the house for entertaining purposes. New landscaping will be completed where those bushes once were that will be incorporating large stones and plants. Stone will be added from the lower exterior of the entire house going up to the windows and then siding to the roof.<br /><br /><br />We also spent a considerable amount of time on the Garage this weekend. We hope we can get the steel roof on within 2 weeks. This will allow us to utilize the garage over the winter. Branko and I together put up 68 sheets of plywood on the walls this weekend.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3RrydTZCwAo/UlxvlnJD8gI/AAAAAAAACJY/-_B606lwXCE/s1600/garage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3RrydTZCwAo/UlxvlnJD8gI/AAAAAAAACJY/-_B606lwXCE/s640/garage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />If you are actually reading this and not just looking at the pictures please please don't think that I am writing this to be a big fat show off....I'm writing this to show every person out there that "when there is a will, there is a way". We could not afford to pay people to build this dream garage/forever home. We knew going into these projects that our very own blood, sweat, and tears would have to be poured into these projects to achieve our dreams. Everyday you just remind yourself to push a little harder, walk a little faster, and dream big about the future.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WinzoUPYyGw/UlxxFLAqS_I/AAAAAAAACJk/MlGkWRCYDug/s1600/garage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WinzoUPYyGw/UlxxFLAqS_I/AAAAAAAACJk/MlGkWRCYDug/s640/garage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The plywood above the window was the toughest part, those are 12 ft. ceilings so Branko had to use lots of muscle and a few tricks to get those pieces up. This kid does not get on ladders.&nbsp;</i></div><br />Next time you start a major project remember that your own capabilities are much more then you could ever imagine.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Don't fret!!!! We had Turkey!&nbsp;</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">If I wasn't too busy playing with my niece and filling my face with food I would have taken some pictures of all of the food we ate....ahhhhhhhhhh next year!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On our drive down to my parents place on Sunday we took the scenic route and came across these entry&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">way gates.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HftVUn3B5dg/Ulxzb8W4eGI/AAAAAAAACJ4/Y7htdKN0plY/s1600/gates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HftVUn3B5dg/Ulxzb8W4eGI/AAAAAAAACJ4/Y7htdKN0plY/s640/gates.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>They are made out of wood and not metal! Which we both really LOVE!&nbsp;</i></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An9nYA2Yqmk/Ulx0Y6NBV4I/AAAAAAAACKE/G5742pvqq8g/s1600/gates2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An9nYA2Yqmk/Ulx0Y6NBV4I/AAAAAAAACKE/G5742pvqq8g/s640/gates2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Another close up.&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is what our entrance looks like now....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtovB3Kl8GU/Ulx1OqGzPzI/AAAAAAAACKM/6vH4tJpb-IY/s1600/entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtovB3Kl8GU/Ulx1OqGzPzI/AAAAAAAACKM/6vH4tJpb-IY/s640/entrance.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br />I want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and same as last year I am again Thankful for our health and our gratitude towards each other.<br /><br />With that I will leave you with the sunset at the "Forever Home"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgwRYC7VZnQ/Ulx32llpJCI/AAAAAAAACKw/zHth5lWgNuw/s1600/IMG_6609.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgwRYC7VZnQ/Ulx32llpJCI/AAAAAAAACKw/zHth5lWgNuw/s640/IMG_6609.2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-75028197617009164412013-10-06T22:09:00.002-04:002013-10-07T10:42:05.334-04:0010 years<div><br /></div><div>Today I am officially celebrating 10 years at my current job, while this is exciting it is scary at the same time. Is this my ultimate dream job maybe not. It's not to say that I don't enjoy my job, I really do.<br /><br />BUT<br /><br />Something happened at work last week that really had me thinking. A co-worker decided to resign from our company after 34 years of service. An email was sent out to the teams advising of her departure and the following day would be her last. She was just 1 year away from retirement and with no reason she decided that she wanted to leave. No fancy retirement party, no penny of the year you started, no letter from the company CEO....nothing. Her closest co-workers scrambled to go out and buy gifts and some food for the next day to ensure she saw how &nbsp;much she will be missed.<br /><br /></div><div>Can you imagine after 34 years coming to one work place day in and day out. All I can hope is that she did not feel alone, that she had nobody to confide her feelings.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This really got me thinking about my dreams and goals. Could I picture myself working for one corporation for that long. What is life like after such a big decision. I have only been here for 10 years and even though that doesn't measure up to anywhere near 34 years I wonder what would it be like not to come to this work place anymore. To see the same faces that you have coffee &amp; lunch breaks, sit in lengthy meetings, go through numerous technology changes, cut backs, weddings, babies, vacations.....you share so much of your life with these people.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Branko and I have some big dreams that include our forever home renovations, kids, vacations and maybe one day owning our own business. We both love the idea of working for ourselves, that kind of independence is freeing.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>After Blogpodium it was clear that most bloggers walked away with that feeling of I can do better, I can succeed at whatever I set my goals towards. Feelings become more vulnerable. Once you become vulnerable you allow yourself to take that leap that you need. You can read about some really great "I can do better for myself" posts over at <a href="http://www.northstory.ca/to-blog-or-not-to-blog-blogpodium-recap/" target="_blank">Alex</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://sketchystyles.com/2013/09/23/ashamed-blogger/" target="_blank"> Becky</a>, and <a href="http://www.thedreamhouseproject.ca/2013/10/05/confessions-of-a-blogpodium-virgin" target="_blank">Natasha`s</a> posts. Each of these write ups let me know how myself and so many others are not alone in this race...not just in the blogging world but in real life too.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>For now my blog is a hobby, I wrote about it here the <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/09/friday-dreaming-my-blog.html" target="_blank">dreams I have for this little space</a> but what I really want to focus on is our life dreams. As crazy as it sounds the blog has really made me realize how much more I can do...from renovating to meeting total strangers.<br /><br /><br />Where do I want to be in the next 10 years.......I am not 100% sure but what I do know is that this blogging atmosphere and the people that I have met have helped me realize your dreams are attainable and I really do feel like if I needed an honest opinion or even a good old laugh I have community of writers to fall back on.<br /><br /><br /><br />In 10 years I hope I can look back at this and say I took that leap and let myself be vulnerable.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1N2KprlqxOM/UlIVZt3MDbI/AAAAAAAACIg/7vIM9j-QaEk/s1600/lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1N2KprlqxOM/UlIVZt3MDbI/AAAAAAAACIg/7vIM9j-QaEk/s640/lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />I would love to hear where you hope to be in 10 years.....<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.&nbsp;</div>Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-55897902916901332112013-09-30T10:08:00.000-04:002013-10-01T08:13:09.586-04:00Raise the Roof - Dream Garage UpdateI won't bore you with details again of the garage. You can read about this <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/08/friday-dreamingthe-garage.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2013/08/garage-update-dream-garage.html" target="_blank">here</a> where I previously talked about "Dream Garage" plans.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsM8qAk2cYw/UkmC5j8yKnI/AAAAAAAACFo/Ro93jhlfqNU/s1600/garage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsM8qAk2cYw/UkmC5j8yKnI/AAAAAAAACFo/Ro93jhlfqNU/s640/garage+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A little reminder of what it will look like once it's all done.&nbsp;</i></div><br />It's pretty amazing to think that this all came together in under 2 months. We had about 3 weeks of waiting for the trusses to arrive and they were finally delivered last week.<br /><div><br /></div><div>So without further wait here are some updated pictures of the dream garage!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ8RCYQ7igs/UkmDELnsdbI/AAAAAAAACFw/Ty0ww5TSNWU/s1600/dreamgarage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ8RCYQ7igs/UkmDELnsdbI/AAAAAAAACFw/Ty0ww5TSNWU/s640/dreamgarage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yIDmLB5rSI/UkmDFalp5SI/AAAAAAAACF4/WFClk8ou1E8/s1600/dreamgarage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yIDmLB5rSI/UkmDFalp5SI/AAAAAAAACF4/WFClk8ou1E8/s640/dreamgarage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>&nbsp;I had a hard time fitting the entire garage in the picture **hint to family members I would really really like a wide lens for my camera for Christmas/Birthday - the only time I will ever allow you to combine my gift ;) **</i></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDq0HB43RwY/UkmDGgHjjJI/AAAAAAAACF8/9cnekCrH8Ok/s1600/dreamgarage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDq0HB43RwY/UkmDGgHjjJI/AAAAAAAACF8/9cnekCrH8Ok/s640/dreamgarage4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<i>This picture was taken from about 150 ft away and because of the trees I couldn't get a snapshot of the entire garage **wide lens camera hint insert here again**</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z7EWr13hIRE/UkmEFXoVLEI/AAAAAAAACGU/GucMc6MIT9I/s1600/dreamgarage5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z7EWr13hIRE/UkmEFXoVLEI/AAAAAAAACGU/GucMc6MIT9I/s640/dreamgarage5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You are probably wondering..."Hey, how did she get that shot of the ceiling" Well there is a very high hill that needs to be pushed away right beside the garage. This still needs work but allows us to take some cool close ups of the trusses. Take note how you can barely see the end.&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next phase for "Dream Garage" is to put the plywood up on the walls and order the steel roof which takes 4 days for delivery. We are hoping to have the roof completed by the end of October.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Keep your eye out for "Dream Garage" updates!!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-11527218922686396222013-09-26T13:43:00.000-04:002013-09-26T13:43:15.656-04:00Princess Margaret Lottery Home with Brian Gluckstein<div style="text-align: left;">When you work on your own home, figuring out every last detail you hope that when somebody walks in they can see your passion for what you've built/ designed. I hope that I evoke that kind of passion Brian Gluckstein has when he gives a description of a home he's designed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had the opportunity to attend a small blogger social for a private viewing of the Princess Margaret Lottery Home with <a href="http://glucksteinhome.com/" target="_blank">Brian Gluckstein</a>.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: AvenirLT-Roman, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">“The ultimate entertaining home with traditional and modern elements for glamorous living.” Brian Gluckstein</em></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.princessmargaretlotto.com/two/oakville.php" target="_blank">"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: AvenirLT-Roman, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Life doesn’t get any better than winning this picture-perfect home nestled in the sophisticated small-town ambience of Oakville, just steps from Lake Ontario. Designer Brian Gluckstein has created a home filled with 7,500 square feet of effortless luxury, perfectly reflecting the refined beauty of its surroundings. There’s something to love around every corner! Everything you’ve ever wanted in a home is waiting for you."</span></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I haven't had many opportunities to be around people with such high importance in the design world so going to meet Brian himself I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew I would be viewing a stunning home but what I wanted was to hear the details of the build down the to nitty gritty and he provided nothing short of that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Brian was kind; he talked to us about the small details like how the walls were tiled in the main entrance and the work behind it. "Anybody can do this, so simple!" He says.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56amlVZbkws/UkRiki6g4wI/AAAAAAAACEw/34fDlXQ6eHw/s1600/tiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56amlVZbkws/UkRiki6g4wI/AAAAAAAACEw/34fDlXQ6eHw/s640/tiles.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>He discussed the library room and how he had hoped that whoever took over this home would keep it that way but If not how simple it would be to turn it into a bedroom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWE9gbQHRhE/UkRkDMcScxI/AAAAAAAACE8/J9C-06aCp_g/s1600/library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWE9gbQHRhE/UkRkDMcScxI/AAAAAAAACE8/J9C-06aCp_g/s640/library.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>He praised Kohler and Miele for there kind donations.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aAmN-8a1gWs/UkRk2dxmdeI/AAAAAAAACFE/ebGNLSDhKdQ/s1600/tub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aAmN-8a1gWs/UkRk2dxmdeI/AAAAAAAACFE/ebGNLSDhKdQ/s640/tub.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The décor was stunning and mixed with affordable pieces from the Gluckstein line and some antiques.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_U-SsufBj8/UkRlfz-WOHI/AAAAAAAACFM/hbHbWQkB-tA/s1600/room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_U-SsufBj8/UkRlfz-WOHI/AAAAAAAACFM/hbHbWQkB-tA/s640/room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>He was genuinely happy that all of his hard work combined with so many different contractors would go to a great cause.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLbEFWuNko8/UkRmDTM7FDI/AAAAAAAACFY/l4Fe4agOFHg/s1600/brian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLbEFWuNko8/UkRmDTM7FDI/AAAAAAAACFY/l4Fe4agOFHg/s640/brian.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><br /><br />I had a quick opportunity to Thank him for the tour of the home and after a small chat he gave me some names of shops to visit in West Palm Beach when we visit. (just goes to show how down to earth he was we ended up talking about Classic Cars!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you <a href="http://glucksteinhome.com/" target="_blank">Gluckstein Homes</a> and <a href="http://www.princessmargaretlotto.com/two/main.php" target="_blank">Princess Margaret Home Lotto</a> for giving me this opportunity.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>You can purchase your ticket <a href="http://www.princessmargaretlotto.com/two/main.php" target="_blank">here</a> to have a chance at many great prizes this year!<br /><br />Also, my pictures do not do this home justice....check out the amazing pictures on the website under the <a href="http://www.princessmargaretlotto.com/two/oakville_gallery.php" target="_blank">Oakville Home Gallery</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*Please take important note all of my picture and thoughts were my own I was in no way asked to write about my experience*</i></span></div><div><br /></div>Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709211997505434884.post-25470831252750841472013-09-23T13:56:00.002-04:002013-09-23T18:43:10.759-04:00BlogPodium 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Remember your first day of school, first night out at a big club, first day at a new job, first time meeting......<b style="text-align: center;">a</b><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;">room full of strangers!&nbsp;</b>I had purchased a BlogPodium ticket quickly after they came out for sale. I was determined not to miss this&nbsp;day of learning and networking. A day to meet so many bloggers that I had been following along for some time now and understand how I can help my little space on the internet grow, be more engaging, and become more open to the opportunities that it can provide.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Don't get me wrong this blog will always stay true to me and why I am writing it. That is to have a memory of building our <a href="http://www.countrychicrenovator.com/2012/01/scattered-renovation-brain.html" target="_blank">"Forever Home"</a>.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Breakfast started off by sitting with <a href="http://www.lynneknowlton.com/" target="_blank">Lynne</a>, <a href="http://www.andreazadro.com/" target="_blank">Andrea</a>, <a href="http://www.wafflingdesign.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Casey</a>, <a href="http://renovationbootcamp.com/" target="_blank">Robin</a> and <a href="http://www.northstory.ca/" target="_blank">Alex</a>. We had some morning chit chat got to know each other a little more. Sarah Richardson was the keynote speaker, she divulged into her personal journey into design and provided some inspiring tips. &nbsp;Once this was over we headed over to our first session.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Home Depot workshop! We learned how to use some Ryobi tools and how quickly a shelf can be built. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Andrea and Alex both won a Ryobi nail gun! Here is a blurry but stellar picture of the 2 of them! If you ladies didn't notice you were matching from head to toe including the tools and both of your names start with "A"!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rA59wG5CR6w/UkBZqvs2pGI/AAAAAAAACEU/Y7_xluHMXUY/s640/blogger-image-719885546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rA59wG5CR6w/UkBZqvs2pGI/AAAAAAAACEU/Y7_xluHMXUY/s640/blogger-image-719885546.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><b style="text-align: center;"><br /></b>We headed to our next session which allowed us to learn more about working with Agencies. This session was held by Andrew Kinnear and Jordana Wolch from <a href="http://environicspr.com/ca/" target="_blank">Environics Communications</a>. Andrew and Jordana&nbsp;had some great tips on the process between agency/company/blogger. I believe it was great for beginner bloggers to give them an idea of how blogs are selected to work with and also to help you learn how you can stand out. <i>Home Depot I'm available if you need me!! </i>We've been to Home Depot probably every Sat. Night from Dec. to July. We even started calling it our date night!<br /><div><br /></div><div>After this lunch was served, we all had a chance to listen to the Key Note panel speak about "Old media, new media, social media". Everybody on the panel had great input but I especially loved hearing Margot speak. Her knowledge on magazine history really had me listening. I still love my print copies! I even made a mad dash as she was trying to leave to introduce myself. Thanks for being so kind!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hCJ9fHfgfNw/UkBcJYJtp9I/AAAAAAAACEg/tYXO9VKhFjQ/s640/blogger-image-2087694061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hCJ9fHfgfNw/UkBcJYJtp9I/AAAAAAAACEg/tYXO9VKhFjQ/s640/blogger-image-2087694061.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I apologize for my lack of &nbsp;good quality pictures.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The next session I attended was held by <a href="http://www.mydailyrandomness.com/" target="_blank">Brittany Stager</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ngazmen" target="_blank">Neil Gazmen</a>, and <a href="http://meredithheron.com/" target="_blank">Meredith Heron</a> about growing your business using social media. I have been following <a href="http://www.mydailyrandomness.com/" target="_blank">Brittany</a> now for some time and had been looking forward to hearing her speak. She is so composed! Neil has such great compassion for his work and I love to see that. It makes we want to shop at West Elm even more so. Neil and Meredith had great input in regards to social media especially when it came to your personal life.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The last session was held by <a href="http://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/" target="_blank">Karen Bertelsen</a> about The Art of Monetization. Karen really nailed it in this session. She was engaging, fun, and most importantly she was just real. You could sense her honesty when she was speaking and how she just wanted people to grow from the knowledge she could provide.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The day ended off with some closing remarks and gift give away followed by a nice cocktail hour. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many people and also stepping out of my own comfort zone.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At the end of the day I may have even been a little overwhelmed with all of the information I took home with me but my over all experience at BlogPodium was absolutely amazing!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One last thing...we got a swag bag that contained some pretty cool stuff including a can of <a href="http://www.para.com/" target="_blank">Para Paint</a> white semi-gloss paint. Along with my piece of fabric from <a href="http://www.tonicliving.com/" target="_blank">Tonic Living</a> I have a DIY post coming up soon! If you want to see a sneak peak you can check out my <a href="http://instagram.com/p/emktrzIDvw/" target="_blank">Instagram feed here</a>.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thank you to <a href="http://www.ramblingrenovators.ca/" target="_blank">Jen</a> and her&nbsp;<a href="http://www.blogpodium.com/our-team/" target="_blank">team </a>for setting up such a fabulous event! Take a moment and check out some amazing pictures <a href="http://annawithlove.smugmug.com/Blog-Podium" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</div></div>Country Chicnoreply@blogger.com11